It’s easy to recycle your cans and bottles but what about those yogurt, hummus and cottage cheese containers?

Problem Solved.

The Gimme 5 program at Whole Foods and other select stores helps turn your extra “garbage” into reusable items!

Since most towns do not accept the #5 plastics, it may sometimes seem like your recycling efforts aren’t doing you or the planet much good.  However, remember, that every little bit you can do is helping….and now, you can take one extra step to lighten your garbage bag and Mother Earth.

Here’s How It Works.

The company Preserve will turn your containers into perfectly new toothbrushes, razors and cutting boards….all of which are made here in the U.S.  By the way, I love their tagline, “Nothing wasted. Everything gainedâ„¢”

In order to make this transformation possible, Whole Foods and other select locations provide you with drop off boxes. Click here to see the complete list.

Aren’t near a drop off box?   No problem, mail your #5s to:

Preserve Gimme 5
823 NYS Rte 13
Cortland, NY 13045

If you are concerned that the mailing would also contribute to environmental waste, give their side note a read.   Or you can see just how much of a difference Preserve is really making.

There’s More?

Oh yes, there is more!  You can now recycle your britta filters too!

I am no expert in recycling but I feel it is just one more way we can care for our Earth.  After all, the earth supplies us with all of our nutrients so recycling is one of the most thoughtful thank you gifts!

A special thanks to my client whose coworker sent her an email about the #5 program.

Alison Held, M.S., CMTA
Clinical Nutritionist

When you’re eating out and trying your best to be “good,” remember there is no such thing as good and bad when it comes to food.  If you need a lesson in this, head on over to amazon and pick up Marc David’s book called, Nourishing Wisdom.

Bye Bye Simple Carbohydrates!

When the bread basket arrives though, you’ll want to say “pass!”  If you must have a piece, always add some butter or olive oil.  This will help slow down the carbo load explosion.

I can hear you now, “but Alison, how is adding fat to my diet going to keep me trim?”  Trust me, you need fat to lose fat.  You also need fat to keep your hormones in balance.  I’m not advising you to eat 3 squares of butter.  Instead, I’m suggesting that you spread 1-2 small pats onto a very small piece of bread or better yet, extra virgin olive oil (offered at many restaurants these days).  The magic happens only AFTER the butter or olive oil is added…..you will be satiated….so instead of eating 3 pieces of bread, you will have 1 and you will be happy.

Substitutes Rule!

If potatoes are served with your meal, ask the waiter for an alternative.  My favorites?  Spinach, broccoli or a side salad – get your veggies (especially greens) in for the day!

Eating hearty grains at night can be a problem especially if you are trying to lose some inches.  They may quench your appetite but they will still spike up your blood sugar and possibly even cause sugar cravings (think ahead to dessert).  Brown rice, quinoa and even wild rice are all good options but if you’ve had your share of these whole grains earlier in the day (breakfast cereal, lunchtime sandwich, cracker snack, etc), say bu-buy to the grains.  I know, it’s sad but I trust you can do it.

On The Side Please!

All sauces, especially the heavy / creamy ones, should be on the side.  So politely ask your waiter to do this for you.  It is an easy request and you’ll end up saving yourself on unhealthy fats or additives and unnecessary calories.

This includes salad dressing.

Avoid MSG and Corn Syrup.

You can always ask the restaurant if they use MSG (toxic) and if so, request that your meal be made without it.

If you’re a fan of ketchup, go light!  Ketchup is primarily made of high fructose corn syrup.  Even though the USDA counts ketchup as a vegetable serving (you say tomato, I say tomata!), it is the farthest thing from that.

Your BBQ sauce is also loaded with sugar.  So be careful.  This sugar will sneak up in any sauce or dressing.

Make Your Own Dish.

If you don’t see what you like on the menu, customize your own dish.  Many restaurants will cater to you by baking or grilling any protein that they offer. Just ask!

A big problem with eating out is the cooking oil.  If you can strike up a conversation with the waiter on this, you’ll be one step towards better health. Avoid any partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Split It…

Order one dish for two.  Not only will this save your waistline, you’ll also have enough extra money to take your date to the movies afterwards!

If your partner isn’t ready to share, only eat half of what’s on your plate and leave the rest for the doggy-bag.  Most restaurants serve portions that are too large for your tummy.

And as I mentioned in my previous post (Part I to Healthy Eating Out tips), digestion is king.  In addition to the digestive enzymes, limit your liquid intake which can dilute stomach acid.  It’s better to fill up on water before a meal because this will also help to curb any hunger and cravings.

Get Moving Post Meal.

Instead of jumping right into the car after a big meal, consider a walk around the neighborhood.  Enjoy the spring air while improving your digestive capabilities.

What healthy action steps do you take when eating out?